US hits Islamic State group with 17 Christmas Day airstrikes

WASHINGTON : The Pentagon says the United States hit Islamic State group targets in Iraq and Syria with 17 airstrikes on Christmas Day.

The strikes targeting Islamic State fighters, facilities and vehicles were carried out by fighter aircraft, bombers and remotely controlled aircraft. The Pentagon said Saturday that five of the strikes were carried out in Syria and 12 in Iraq.

The strikes targeted Islamic State tunnels, explosive manufacturing sites and other targets such as bridges and Islamic State fighting outposts.

All US aircraft returned safely.

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation that is designed to target the Islamic State group.